Celebrities, business leaders weigh in on McCrory's anti-discrimination bill decision

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - Presidential candidates, celebrities, social advocates and companies spoke out Thursday after Governor McCrory signed a bill undoing Charlotte's non-discrimination ordinance.

Ryan Lee Burris, Cape Fear Equality Chair and New Hanover County Democratic Party 3rd Vice Chair, said the bill affects more than just bathrooms.

Burris said the state's education system could be at risk of losing billions in Title IX funding.

Statements from athletic conferences suggested the bill could affect the state's hosting of sports events in the future.

"The NBA is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all who attend our games and events. We are deeply concerned that this discriminatory law runs counter to our guiding principles of equality and mutual respect and do not yet know what impact it will have on our ability to successfully host the 2017 All-Star Game in Charlotte."

"Our commitment to the fair treatment of all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, has not changed. It is our expectation that all people will be welcomed and treated with respect in cities that host our NCAA championships and events."

Brett Martin, CEO of Castle Branch, Inc. and TekMountain, LLC., also weighed in:

"Blocking local governments from passing anti-discrimination rules that protect our LGBT community is wrong on so many levels. North Carolina and Wilmington desperately need to attract forward-thinking growing companies. Discriminating against our LGBT community will send North Carolina back to an era where all we produced was tobacco.  North Carolina has come a long way and is home to some of the country's finest entrepreneurial companies.  I urge our local community and leaders to stand up for what is right and stand up for our LGBT community."

Burris said the situation has been "emotionally stressful" for the transgender community and went on to say some people might have been unaware of the bill's other details beyond bathrooms.

"They focused on this as a public safety concern and people just weren't educated of the other implications that passing this legislation would have on the future of North Carolina," Burris said. "What company wants to move? How is that sending a message of acceptance and diversity? Why would I want to bring my business to a state that is promoting discrimination?"

Everyone from presidential candidates to celebrities gave their opinion on the decision.

Cast member of One Tree Hill ,Sophia Bush, even tweeted her opinion on the matter:

Presidential candidate, Bernie Sanders, tweeted saying that a law like this has no place in America.

Shark Tank star and investor in Twitter and Uber, Chris Sacca, tweeted he was going to come to North Carolina in May to invest more in the state, but now he is questioning his decision.

Company Biogen even tweeted to share their stance on the decision.

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